Affiliation:
1. College of Food Engineering, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, China
2. College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
Abstract
Hg2+, a highly toxic heavy metal, poses significant environmental and health risks, necessitating rapid detection methods. In this study, we employed an electrochemical aptasensor for rapid and sensitive detection of Hg2+ based on DNA strands (H2 and H3) immobilized graphene aerogels-Au nanoparticles (GAs-AuNPs) hybrid recognition interface and exonuclease III (Exo III)-mediated cyclic amplification. Firstly, Gas-AuNPs were modified on the surface of the ITO electrode to form a sensing interface to increase DNA loading and accelerate electron transfer. Then, DNA helper was generated with the addition of Hg2+ via Exo III-mediated cycling. Finally, the hairpin structures of H2 and H3 were opened with the DNA helper, and then the methylene blue (MB) functionalized DNA (A1 and A2) combined with the H2 and H3 to form an H-shaped structure. The current response of MB as an electrochemical probe was proportional to the concentration of Hg2+. Under optimal conditions, the aptasensor showed excellent performance for Hg2+, achieving a linear range from 1 fM to 10 nM and a detection limit of 0.16 fM. Furthermore, the aptasensor was used to detect Hg2+ in spiked milk samples, achieving a high recovery rate and demonstrating promising application prospects.
Funder
Natural Science Research Project for Colleges and Universities of Anhui Province
Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation
Talent Introduction Foundation of Anhui Science and Technology University
Natural Science Research Project of Anhui Science and Technology University
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program for College Students
Subject
Clinical Biochemistry,General Medicine,Analytical Chemistry,Biotechnology,Instrumentation,Biomedical Engineering,Engineering (miscellaneous)